Best Storage Containers: For Wet or Dry Foods

Protect and transport your favorite edibles! The Good Housekeeping Research Institute tested 28 containers to find out which were the best at keeping foods fresh. Find out how the products were evaluated and see the complete results of the test here, from the highest rated to the lowest.

Rubbermaid Lock-Its, $2 to $15

For packing up leftovers after dinner, Rubbermaid Lock-Its are our top choice. They're made of plastic and have gaskets in the lids that lock onto the bases on all four sides. Because they excel at keeping air out, they'll prevent lasagna from becoming dry or winding up tasting like the pineapple stashed next to it. Plus, they can stand up to the rigors of everyday living. When filled with frozen water, Lock-Its were one of the only containers we tested that didn't dent or break when dropped from countertop height. To prevent the all-too-common search for the right lid, the tops snap onto the bottoms of the containers when they're stashed away. Available in 1.25-cup to 2.5-gallon sizes, and in 12-, 20-, and 30-piece sets ($14 to $23). (rubbermaid.com)

Snapware Glasslock, $7 to $15

If you're leery of plastic, here's our top choice in glass. You can microwave in these containers without giving it a second thought and never worry about stains remaining. The plastic lid has a gasket and snaps on securely on all four sides, providing a tight seal. However, the lid did show minor discoloration after we zapped the tomato-sauce-filled container, and it became less flexible and more difficult to snap into place after being washed in the dishwasher. Available in 1.4- to 8-cup sizes. (snapware.com)

Anchor Hocking True Seal, $8 to $21

If you often stash food in a storage container and forget about it for a few days, only to find it dried out and tasting like everything else in the fridge, the solution to your problem could be this glass container. Of the 28 containers in our test, it did the absolute best job of keeping air out. The bright green lid did show some minor staining and warping after being used to reheat frozen pasta sauce and several cycles in the dishwasher, but the glass base cleans up easily and beautifully and is likely to maintain its appearance for a long time. Another great feature: The glass containers can be used for baking in the oven up to 425°F. Available in 1- to 11-cup sizes. (goldaskitchen.com)

Snapware Mods Medium Series, $5 to $10

If you like the light weight of plastic and don't want to spend a bundle, here's a great-performing choice that comes in a variety of sizes (4.5, 10.8, 16, and 23 cups) and shapes for use in the fridge and pantry. The lids, which have gaskets, snap onto each side to seal securely. However, the Mods stained and warped after being used to reheat tomato sauce, so you might want to use them exclusively for storage. We also recommend hand-washing them, as they warped slightly from dishwasher cleaning.
(snapware.com)

Frieling Emsa Clip & Close, $3.80 to $15

These containers proved to be among the most air-resistant we tested, thanks to their snap-on lids that contain silicone gaskets. However, after being used to microwave pasta sauce, the translucent plastic bottoms turned bright red. It also became hard to put on the lids after they were run through the dishwasher. They are available in sizes from 6 ounces to 3.25 quarts and in four mixed sets. (amazon.com)

Oso*Fresh Containers, $6 to $16

The lids of these entries from Oso have silicone gaskets and sides that snap on to provide a tight seal. In our tests, these containers were indeed above average at resisting air leakage. However, using them in the microwave resulted in stains that didn't come off even after dishwasher cleaning. Plus after dishwasher cleaning a sample, the lid no longer fit tightly. Microparticles of silver have been infused into the plastic of containers to help retard bacteria growth. Available in various shapes and sizes ranging from 5.3 to 246.9 ounces (about two gallons) and in sets ($19 to $37). (thefreshlife.com)

Bormioli Rocco Frigoverre Fun, $10 to $17

Add a playful touch to your kitchen with these glass storage containers decorated with neon-colored flowers and matching lids. Unfortunately, these didn't stay as airtight as other glass ones in our test. Although the glass won't stain after being microwaved, the plastic lids will. Both pieces can be popped in the dishwasher without fear that they'll warp. Available in blue, orange, and green, and in 17- to 67.75-ounce (about 2-quart) sizes. (Macys.com)

OXO Good Grips Top Container, $4 to $10

Almost completely made of clear plastic, the Good Grips Top Container provides you with a good view of the contents. To cover these containers, you push down, and the lid lets out a "snap" as it closes. While easy to use, they don't provide the best air resistance. Expect these containers to show mild staining after microwaving but no damage from dishwasher cleaning. Available in 1.7- to 12.7-cup sizes. (oxo.com)

Sterilite Ultra Seal, $2 to $20

The containers in this line stack inside of each other, so they help control cabinet clutter. There are silicone gaskets in the lids that come in an assortment of colors, depending on the shape and size. However, they're not as airtight as many we tested, in spite of the fact that they have four clasps on each side. If you're not averse to microwaving in plastic, you'll love the steam-release vent built into the lid that can help avoid popped tops or, even worse, burns caused by steam buildup, but you'll find that the container stains. Cleanup is easy, as you can put them the dishwasher without worrying that they'll warp. Available in 3-cup to 16-cup sizes, plus 12- and 20-piece sets. Also offer large bowls and specialty items. (sterilite.com)

Ziploc Snap 'n Seal Lids, $3.20

Considering the price, these disposable containers, which fell in the middle of the pack in our tests, can't be beat. Whether you're sending carrot sticks to school, bringing cookies to a potluck, or packing up leftovers for your guests to take home, you won't get upset if you don't get them back. And while they'll never become family heirlooms, you can use them several times before you toss them. As you might expect from the lightweight plastic, they warped after dishwashing and stained after microwaving. Available in a wide assortment of shapes and sizes. (at grocers and mass merchandisers)

Innate MC2 Container, $16

This shallow 3-cup stainless-steel container has a silicone lid that expands to make a bowl for microwaving. In our tests, the MC2 was far from airtight, so we can only recommend it for short-term storage. Since it didn't leak, you could take the chance of tossing it in a lunch bag. And even though it's made of stainless steel, it's not invincible  when dropped from a countertop, it dented. Available with lids in blue, green, or red. (innate-gear.com)

Click Clack Ice Hot, $10 to $16

These blue-tinted plastic containers are promoted as safe for all temperatures, for extreme use, unbreakable, and also stackable. Too bad they couldn't keep air out and food from leaking in our tests. However, they can go from freezer to microwave and be safely washed in the dishwasher without having to worry about warping. Contrary to claims, they will break if dropped from the height of a countertop when filled with a frozen load. (But, yes, you can stack them in the cabinet.) Available in 0.54- to 4.5-quart sizes. (amazon.com)

GladWare Soup & Salad, $2.94 to $3.30

Here's another disposable container that's intended to be used several times before being discarded. It was neither tops nor bottom in all our tests. It's a good choice if you're going to send your husband off with a microwavable lunch or bring cookies to a friend, as you don't have to stress if it doesn't come home: They're designed to be tossed once you've gotten good use out of them. Available in a wide assortment of shapes and sizes. (glad.com)

Freshvac Professional, $7 to $20

If staining is your biggest pet peeve about storage containers, this is the one for you. This plastic container is as clear as glass and was one of only two to remain virtually damage-free after being used to freeze then nuke tomato sauce, and after two weeks' worth of dishwasher cycles. Although the lid has a gasket around the edge as well as a valve intended to create a "vacuum seal," it didn't prove effective at keeping out air in our tests. You'll also want to be careful how you handle this container: When we dropped a full frozen one from a countertop, it broke. Available in 1.7- to 16-cup sizes, and in sets ($30 to $50). (freshvac.com)

Oso*Fresh Everyday Containers, $8 to $20

These lightweight containers are intended to be used a few times then discarded. While they're not the best at keeping air out, they're handy for carrying lunch to the office or a meal to a sick neighbor. The yellow containers turned orange when we reheated pasta sauce, but they came out of the dishwasher unscathed. A filled frozen container broke when dropped, another indication that these shouldn't be used for long-term storage. Available in various shapes and sizes. (thefreshlife.com)

Snapware Pantry Series, $6 to $12

On the lid of this container, intended for dry ingredients like cereals, nuts, and candy, there's a flap so you can pour out a portion without removing the entire lid. They're so practical, we wish they were better at preventing air from entering. We also found that the bottom of the container warped when used to reheat in the microwave and when washed in the dishwasher. A bright note: When filled and frozen containers were dropped, they didn't break. Available in 4.5- to 15.3-cup sizes. (snapware.com)

Oggi Airtight Storage Containers (Set of 3), $25

If storing your storageware is what really gets your goat, here's the solution to your problem. The three containers in this set nest inside themselves. The plastic containers have two latches on the lids that seal them into place, but they weren't effective at meeting their claim to be airtight. While one didn't warp in the dishwasher, it was among the most severely stained and warped after microwaving pasta sauce. Even after a cycle in the dishwasher, the container stayed bright red. (sears.com)

Gourmet Trends Original Always Fresh Containers, $28

This 10-piece set (five containers, five lids) of "as seen on TV" containers are bright green opaque plastic, so they'll be hard to miss in a cluttered fridge. In spite of their name, these containers were poor at keeping air out, so are unlikely to live up to the claim that they keep "edibles fresh longer." Although they're designed for microwave use (when the lid is removed), we found that after reheating pasta sauce, the base was slightly warped. Both the lid and the bottom warped after being cleaned in the dishwasher. On the positive side, Always Fresh Containers (16-, 24-, 61- and 96-ounces) can be stacked inside one another for storage when they aren't in use. (alwaysfreshcontainers.com)

Oggi Snap And Seal, $16

If you stash storage containers in the fridge and freezer and find yourself clueless as to just how long they've been in there, you'll love the sliding mechanism in the clear lid that helps you track the days and months. When you're not using them, you can store these containers inside each other. However, you'll compromise performance for convenience, as these white containers are poor at keeping air out, stain when used for microwaving, and warp when cleaned in the dishwasher. (sears.com)

Keepeez Vacuum Food Sealer, $2 to $20

The lid of this container is supposed to create a vacuum seal that the manufacturer claims "keeps food fresh up to 3 times longer." It's composed of a white hard plastic ring with a center that resembles a thick plastic wrap. Unfortunately, it didn't work as promised. In our tests, it was poor at keeping air out. After being washed in the dishwasher, the lid could still be put on the clear plastic base but after being used in the microwave, it was badly damaged and had to be discarded. The lid is designed to be used on other containers, as well — any container with a smooth rim (even scalloped rims) whether metal, plastic, or glass. (keepeez.com)

Freshvac Plus, $4 to $10

These plastic storage containers have a locking mechanism to attach the lid to the base and a device intended to create a vacuum seal; they were ineffective at keeping air out. In the lid there's a microwave vent and a device for keeping track of how many days food has been stored in the containers. After we used them for microwave heating, the lid became damaged. If you're clumsy in the kitchen, you'll like the fact that this container won't break even if dropped when filled with a frozen load. You can also machine-wash them without fear that they'll warp. Available in 2.25- to 18-cup sizes and in sets ($20 to $30). (freshvac.com)

Seal-a-Bag Banana Seal, $1.50 to $5

It's happened to all of us: We take a few chips, then come back a few days later to a bag gone stale. You can save chips, pretzels, and cereal with this nifty and very effective yellow plastic gadget. You press a bag into the troughlike portion, then seal it in place with a rod that fits into the trough. You can wash it in the dishwasher, and stash sealed food bags in the fridge or freezer. Available in three sizes: small (7 1/2 inches), medium (9 1/2 inches), and large (11 1/2 inches) when purchased in a mixed pack for $5. Large sizes sold individually. (seal-a-bag.com)

Copco Bag Cap, $4 to $7

Here's a two-piece gizmo that not only reseals a food package but gives you an easy way to pour out the ingredients. You pull an empty chip or cereal bag through the bottom half of the device and fold it over. You then place the top on over the bottom and you have a lid. We found it excelled at keeping air out of the bag. For cleaning, you can pop it in the dishwasher. Available in small (1 3/4 inches x 1 1/2 inches), medium (2 3/4 inches x 2 inches), and wide (5 1/4 inches x 3 inches x 2 inches) sizes and in green, orange, and red. (wilton.com)

Click Clack Accents, $8 to $18

If you're looking for a container exclusively for dry foods like cookies, crackers, pretzels, cereals, and nuts, this is our top pick. Of all the canisters we tested, it was best at keeping air out. The container is see-through plastic, and the lid, which comes in white or metallic, has two grips that you press to lift it off. Both parts can be safely cleaned in the dishwasher. Available with white or metallic lids in .7 to 4.5 quart sizes. (containerstore.com)

Oggi Set Of 4 Stack 'N Store, $16

These clear plastic canisters with white lids can be stored inside one another when not in use. In your set you get 106-, 73-, 40- and 20-ounce containers. To lift the lid out, you squeeze two grips in the handles. They do not excel at maintaining an airtight environment in spite of their name. You can wash these in the dishwasher without fear that they'll be damaged. (sears.com)

Oggi Airtight Canister, $14

Here's a good choice if you like the look of stainless steel or simply want to avoid storing food in plastic. Designed specifically for dry foods, it has a clear plastic lid with a gasket that clips into place. However, we found the gasket didn't align perfectly, which could be why it let air in, failing to live up to its name. Hand washing is required. (sears.com)

OXO Pop Containers, $8 to $19

When you push a button in the white top of this clear plastic container, the lid is secured to the base. However, we found the seal that was formed didn't prevent air from entering the container. The base but not the lid is safe for dishwasher use. Available in 0.3- to 5.5-quart sizes plus 5- and 10-piece sets ($50 and $100, respectively).
(oxo.com)

Oggi Air-Lox Airtight Canister, $10 to $14

In the center of the white lid of this clear plastic storage container is a large plastic button that you push to close and create a seal. Unfortunately, we found it didn't effectively keep air out. To clean, you'll need to hand-wash. These 4 1/2-inch square containers are available in 4-inch, 6-inch, 8-inch, and 10-inch heights. (sears.com)

Friis Coffee Savor, $20

Coffee lovers know that for the best cup of java in the morning, freshness of the coffee is paramount. This stainless-steel container designed specifically for a pound of coffee has a plastic lid with a gasket that clips into place. In the center of the lid there's what's called a "Freshness Valve" designed to vent away trapped carbon dioxide, which can turn coffee bitter and stale. The company recommends replacing the valve every two months, and there's a rotating date wheel in the lid to remind you when it's time to pop in a new one. In our tests, the canister was not effective at keeping air, another enemy of coffee, out of the canister. This product requires hand washing. (friiscoffee.com)

Polder Pourable Canister, $40

A mechanism in the lid of these stainless-steel canisters makes them easy to open, so you can pour out the ingredients without removing the lid. As they have a tapered shape, there's a grip to grasp as you pour. The bottom of the container is clear plastic to show you what's inside. Although they're attractive and easy to use, we found they didn't keep air out, so they're not a good choice for long-term food storage. We also found that after cleaning them in the dishwasher, the lid was difficult to reattach to the base. We recommend taking the time and effort to hand-wash them. Available in a three piece set including 1.5- 1.75-, and 2-quart sizes in black or white. (target.com)

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